Tewksbury Holiday Happenings the Week of Dec. 11

The annual menorah lighting is Monday at 5:30 p.m. on the Common

The Tewksbury Farm & Craft popup market is open through Christmas Eve between Papa Gino’s and Job Lots, with a wide range of locally produced products, including Tewksbury Honey. Organizer Julie Kelley said this is likely the last year at the current location as the retail cannabis shop licensed for the property is expected to begin construction in the new year. Anyone with a line on a home for the shop in 2024 can contact Kelley.

On Sunday, a benefit tournament to remember Bruce Taylor, founder of Wicked Cornhole, will be held at New England Sports Center in Derry, NH. If you are interested in playing, register here. If you want to help with the event, contribute to the raffle or donate, email Michael Marcelynas at Mike@WickedCornhole.com.

Planet Fitness opened its new location at 553 Main St. on Dec. 8. It is offering the PF Black Card membership for $1 down and $19.99 a month through Dec. 20; if you want to try out the facility, there is an open house with Santa and free workouts on Dec. 17 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn more.

Residents — homeowners and renters — who may need assistance with heating or utility bills can apply now through CTI. Check out the chart, here, to see if your household meets income guidelines.

There are two dine outs this week. You can support TMHS Track by grabbing some Italian food from Capellini’s on Monday or Tuesday, for lunch or dinner. TMHS Girls Basketball will receive 20% of all Wicked Cheesy orders on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please mention that you are supporting TMHS Track or Girls Basketball when you place your order.

And finally, the Wynn Middle School Drama Club will present Frozen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See below for times. Tickets are at the door, cash or check only.

Monday, Dec. 11

Wellness Workshop: Grief Over the Holidays
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Grief can be very difficult to manage, especially during the holidays. Grief may be over the loss of a loved one or even having to let go of some holiday traditions that we have always enjoyed. At this workshop, participants will learn strategies on how to manage or even create new memories and traditions. Pre-registration is appreciated; walk-ins are welcome. Sign up online or in person or by calling the Senior Center reception desk at 978-640-4480.

Special Performance by the Swingin’ Seniors Chorus Group
When: noon
Where: Senior center

Gingerbread cookies and cocoa will be served following the performance. This is a FREE event but we ask that you sign up at the reception desk so we can plan the refreshments for everyone who attends.

Winter Music & Movement for Kids
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Get your dance on with Munchkin Music & Movement. Littles are invited for songs, dances, rhymes and fun.

Menorah Lighting
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Town Common

Join Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Center of Merrimack Valley and the Tewksbury DEI Advisory Committee to celebrate the fifth night of Chanukah, the festival of light and warmth that reminds us that life’s darkest moments and greatest challenges can be brightened with steadfast faith and determination. The menorah lighting on the Town Common is open to all, and the Carnation will see you there.

A History of New England Desserts
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Library, register here

Cooking instructor Tammy Donroe Inman, award-winning author of New England Desserts: Classic and Creative Recipes for All Seasons, will discuss her favorite desserts that originated in Massachusetts, the stories behind them, and the pleasures of seasonal baking. 

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Hanukkah Story Time
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Library, register here

Join Miss Rachel from PJ Library as we celebrate the festival of lights at the Library! Enjoy festive treats, read stories, and enjoy a magical craft. This event is free, open to all and geared towards children 6 and under. Register at LappinFoundation.org or on our website here.

YA Authors Andrew Joseph White & H.E. Edgmon
When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual, register here

Bestselling authors Andrew Joseph White (The Spirit Bares Its Teeth) and H.E. Edgmon (Godly Heathens) will discuss their recently released books in this fun conversation suitable for both teen and adult readers. 

Wednesday, Dec. 13

Holiday Wrap & Relax
When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Library

Are you a busy parent with little time to wrap presents for your children? A spouse with no place to prepare gifts for your loved one? A helpless shopper suffering from holiday stress and irritation? The Library has the solution: Enjoy a morning of wrapping & relaxing at the library. The library will provide wrapping supplies, plenty of space, and a relaxing atmosphere, including hot chocolate and classic holiday music. Come by anytime during the three hours and stay for as long as you’d like. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

DiZoglio Fundraiser
When: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m
Where: Merrimack Valley Golf Club

Residents from across the political spectrum signed on to Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s ballot question asking voters for the authority to audit the Legislature. DiZoglio has connected with enough registered voters to yield the required 74,574 certified signatures. However, that was an expensive effort, and if the Legislature does not approve the question by May 1, her campaign will need an additional 12,429 signatures by June 19. Tonight’s fundraiser is to support the Auditor’s campaign account, which she depleted to help pay for the ballot question. Supporters may also donate here.

Tewksbury Conservation Commission
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall or catch the meeting on Tewksbury TV or Comcast (6) or Verizon (33)

The ConCom has a number of long-continued hearings on its agenda, including the removal of trees at Tewksbury Dental, as well as a discussion of a tree buffer at Ames Pond. Agenda

Thursday, Dec. 14

Preschool Playgroup
When: 11 – 11:45 a.m.
Where: Library, no registration required

Preschool Playgroup is back! Learn some literacy skills and have some fun while you’re at it. This program is hosted by Community Teamwork.

RSV Vaccine Clinic
When: noon – 3 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Letourneau’s Pharmacy will be onsite providing the RSV vaccine. If you wish to receive the RSV vaccine, please call Tammy at 978-640-4480, extension 296 to book an appointment. No walk-in appointments. Be sure to bring your prescription benefit information as well as a photo I.D. You must have prescription benefits for the cost to be covered.

Friday, Dec. 15

Movie: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Senior Center

Enjoy a screening of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” In the brand new fifth installment of the series, archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history. Starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Antonio Banderas. Rated PG-13. 2 hours, 34 minutes. Registration is required. Sign up online at myactivecenter.com, in person at the senior center or by calling the reception desk at 978-640-4480. Limited to 25 seats. Snacks & water will be served. Cosponsored by the Friends of the Tewksbury Public Library and the Tewksbury Lions Club. A $1 donation is suggested.

Movie: Oppenheimer
When: Two showings: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Library

Enjoy a screening of one of Hollywood’s newest DVD releases — Oppenheimer. The story of American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his role in the development of the atomic bomb. Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon. Rated R. 3 Hours. Doors will open at 6:30pm.  Pizza & water will be served. A $2 donation is suggested. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Tewksbury Lions Club. Register for 1 p.m. / Register for 7 p.m.

Planet Fitness Tewksbury Santa & Workout
When: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Planet Fitness, 553 Main Street

To celebrate its opening, Planet Fitness Tewksbury is inviting new members and guests, as well as anyone from the community, to stop by for complimentary photos with Santa and a free workout, on December 17 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Silvertones Big Band Dance
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Senior Center

Come listen/dance to the sounds of the Silvertones … waltz, Latin, jitterbug, foxtrot, big band, line dances and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This is not a BYOB event. Door prizes this month are two tickets  to a future Silvertones dance. Soda & bottled water available for purchase ($1). Coffee/tea and cake are served during the break.

Weekend

Frozen Jr.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, see below for times
Where: Wynn Auditorium

Do you want to build a snowman? You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time. Join Anna, Elsa, and all of your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. This musical includes favorite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. With its empowering message of love and understanding, Frozen JR. is sure to melt your heart. Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash or check only).

Dinosaur Adventure
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Shriner’s Auditorium

Experience the prehistoric age and encounter your favorite dinosaurs up close. Dinosaur Adventure features realistic, life-sized dinosaurs with life-like movement and roars. As part of Dinosaur Adventure, children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities: fossil searches, Jurassic jeeps or dino scooters, themed obstacle courses, riding their favorite dinosaur, and more. The whole family will also be amused by our live entertainment featuring a baby dinosaur meet & greet. Tickets are available here.

Bruce Taylor “Taylormade” Benefit Tournament
When: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
Where: New England Sports Center

Bruce and Stacey Taylor are the founders and owners of Wicked Cornhole. Bruce sadly passed away on November 15. This tournament will raise funds to help the family and to celebrate all that Bruce has done not only for cornhole, but also for his communities, both in Tewksbury and Maine. It is $25 per person and you will play 4 games of Switchholio into some form of playoff brackets. There will be no cash prize, as this is a social event planned to have some fun and celebrate the community that Bruce has been such a huge part in creating. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and bags fly at 9:30 a.m. There will also be raffles, silent auctions, 50/50, pull tabs, and more. Register here. If you are interested in helping with the event, contributing to the raffles or making a donation, please email Michael Marcelynas at Mike@WickedCornhole.com.